May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health can be a stigma for many, BUT your emotional well-being should not! All of us, at one point in our lives have had an altered emotional state, and not feeling quite ourselves. Being sad due to a limitation, loss of a loved one, feeling overwhelmed or feelings of not having a purpose can happen to any one of us. No one should feel less of themselves for asking for help. You are brave just by asking. 

Below are some key focus points taken from MentalHealthAmerica.org; giving us key facts and suggestions to help with our own emotional well-being. 

  •  While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. 
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on the mental health of people of all ages. Teenage depression is up 12 % due to the pandemic. Now more than ever it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles that commonly prevents individuals from seeking help. 
  • There are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency, regardless of the situations they are dealing with. 
  • It’s important to accept the situations in life that we cannot change, actively work to process the mental struggles associated with big changes, manage anger and frustration, recognize when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenge negative thinking patterns, and make time to take care of yourself. 
Knowing when to turn to friends, family, and co-workers when you are struggling with life’s challenges can help improve your mental health.
  • One way to check in with yourself is to take a mental health screen at MHAscreening.org. It’s a quick, free, and private way for someone to assess their mental health and recognize signs of mental health problems.
  • Local help for your mental health and well-being can be found at the nurses clinic in CLHS, your guidance counselors, a trusted adult or mentor, your pastor & Cross Connections via CLHS also can help!
  • Others resources outside of CLHS could come from your primary doctor, Parkview Behavioral Health, and other organizations, such as LookUpIndiana.org. 
  • You can chat online with a real person about feelings you are experiencing or call toll free at 800-284-8439. They are available 24/7.
  • Suicide Prevention LifeLine: Available 24/7 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Remember God’s Promise: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

MHANATIONAL.org/May: Tools to Thrive

Corrie Oberlin,
School Nurse